Mr INNES (MELBOURNE, VICTORIA)
- I direct a question to the Minister for Urban and Regional Development. Has the Minister's attention been drawn to the pending auction sale by the Family Care organisation of Emerald Hill in South Melbourne? 'Have approaches been made to the Australian Government to assist the South Melbourne Council to acquire this site? Does the proposed sale provide the community with the opportunity to preserve and enhance a significant portion of our urban fabric similar to the action that the Australian Government has taken in Glebe, Sydney?

Mr UREN (REID, NEW SOUTH WALES) (Minister for Urban and Regional Development)
- This matter has been brought to my attention first by the Treasurer, in whose electorate this area is located, and also by the honourable member for Melbourne and the South Melbourne Council which has made representations to my Department. An examination of this area has been made by officers of my Department and also by the Committee of Inquiry into the National Estate. The Treasurer and I have conferred on financial arrangements with a view to supporting the South Melbourne Council's attempt to acquire this site for the public sector. It is a townscape which the national Government seeks to retain as such. I agree with the honourable member for Melbourne that as the townscape of Glebe in Sydney should be retained so should Emerald Hill. If the Victorian Government will co-operate, we will then co-operate with the State Government and the Council in order to acquire this unique townscape for the public sector.